College of Computing at Georgia Tech and KUKA Robotics Collaborate to Lead Robotics Education and Innovation

ATLANTA (April 4, 2006) – The College of Computing at Georgia Tech, a national leader in the creation of real-world computing breakthroughs that drive social and scientific progress, today announced that it has appointed international robotics expert Dr. Henrik Christensen to the newly endowed KUKA Chair of Robotics. With Dr. Christensen’s appointment as the KUKA Chair of Robotics, a position endowed by a $1.5 million grant from KUKA Robotics, the North American subsidiary of KUKA Roboter GmbH and a global leader in robot manufacturing, the College of Computing further solidifies its position as a national academic leader in robotics.

“The addition of a globally respected robotics expert such as Henrik Christensen to our already distinguished faculty enables the College of Computing to make a significant and immediate impact on growth in the robotics arena,” said Richard A. DeMillo, the John P. Imlay Jr. Dean of the College of Computing at Georgia Tech. “With the generous support from our friends at KUKA Robotics, the faculty and students of the College of Computing will lead our nation’s charge to invent tomorrow’s cutting-edge robotics breakthroughs.”

"KUKA is proud to support the College of Computing at Georgia Tech in their continued pursuit of advanced robotic solutions," noted Leroy Rodgers II, president of KUKA Robotics Corporation. "KUKA's products are an excellent platform for innovation, and we expect the College of Computing’s faculty and students will lead the industry for years to come."

Dr. Christensen brings to the College of Computing an impeccable pedigree in robotics research and innovation. As the founding chairman of the European Robotics Research Network, Dr. Christensen will work with existing faculty to further enrich the robotics curriculum within the Interactive and Intelligent Computing (IIC) division at the College of Computing. With a focus on personal and everyday robotics, as well as the future of automation, the College of Computing robotics program will offer both undergraduate and doctoral programs tailored to best enable students to understand and drive the future role of robotics in society and industry.

"I am very excited about joining the College of Computing at Georgia Tech as its KUKA Chair of Robotics,” said Dr. Christensen. “My mission will be to strengthen the College of Computing’s already impressive robotics program and make it the leading robotics effort in the world in terms of human-centered robotics and intelligent machines.”

About the College of Computing at Georgia TechThe College of Computing at Georgia Tech is a national leader in the creation of real-world computing breakthroughs that drive social and scientific progress. With its graduate program ranked 11th nationally by U.S. News and World Report, the College’s unconventional approach to education is pioneering the new era of computing by expanding the horizons of traditional computer science students through interdisciplinary collaboration and a focus on human centered solutions. For more information about the College of Computing at Georgia Tech, its academic divisions and research centers, please visit www.cc.gatech.edu.

About KUKA RoboticsKUKA Robotics Corporation, with its parent company KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg, Germany, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial robots, with an annual production volume approaching 10,000 units, and an installed base of over 60,000 units. The company’s 5 and 6 axis robots range from 3kg to 570kg payloads, and 635mm to 3700mm reach, all controlled from a common PC based controller platform. KUKA robots are utilized in a diverse range of industries including the appliance, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, logistics, food, pharmaceutical, medical, foundry and plastics industries. KUKA robots are found in a multitude of applications including: material handling, machine loading, assembly, packaging, palletizing, welding, bending, joining, and surface finishing. For more information contact KUKA Robotics at 866-873-5852 or visit their website at www.kukarobotics.com.

Contact:For College of Computing at Georgia TechStefany Wilson404.894.7253stefany@cc.gatech.eduwww.cc.gatech.edu